Lyon outlast Bordeaux to reach cup quarter-finals

08 February 2012 18:46

Lyon's bid for a domestic cup double this season remains on course after they overcame Bordeaux 3-1 following extra time on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the French Cup.

Seeking to end a four-year trophy drought, and having already qualified for the League Cup final, Lyon fell behind in the 23rd minute when Yoan Gouffran released Jussie to fire past Hugo Lloris after a mistake by Bakary Kone.

The hosts equalised in the 36th minute, with Ederson's header from Yoann Gourcuff's intelligent lobbed pass parried by Cedric Carrasso into the path of Alexandre Lacazette, who converted from close range.

Carrasso's goal was put under heavy pressure in the second half but OL could not find a way past him and the game went to extra time in front of only 7,000 spectators at a chilly Stade Gerland.

Substitute Bafetimbi Gomis put Lyon in front after six minutes of the extra period when he pounced on a miscued volley by Jimmy Briand, who sealed victory two minutes from full-time by steering home a low cross from Lisandro Lopez.

"Although we let in the first goal from Bordeaux's first foray into our area, I think we deserved our victory over the course of the match, even though we needed extra time," said Lyon coach Remi Garde.

"Our team once again showed lots of character and heart. The spirit is there and it's difficult to beat us at the moment."

Holders Lille visit northern neighbours Valenciennes later on Wednesday, while Montpellier travel to second-tier Chateauroux.

Marseille's match at fourth-division Bourg-Peronnas and Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain's visit to Dijon have both been postponed until next week due to the extremely cold temperatures currently affecting France.

Rennes became the first side to book a place in the quarter-finals on Tuesday when they withstood a late fightback from top-flight rivals Evian to win 3-2 at Stade de la Route de Lorient.

Source: AFP